***THIS IS NOT A TRIP - THIS IS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025-26 BITS PROGRAM***

***PLEASE READ ALL INFO CAREFULLY***

Backcountry Intro to Skiing/Splitboarding (BITS) - 2025/2026 Program

Registration/Application/Payment Deadline: November 29, 2025

Dates:  

Intro Session (In Person/Online): Dec 4 OR Dec 11 (evening)

Field Days (2026) : January 18, February 8 and March 15 OR January 18, February 21 and March 15  (Note that splitboard group will be on Jan 18/Feb 21/Mar 15)

Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXTBnmX0bOWMqvnHTUaD9hzD_lg6gpoamtT3wFAty_fnNDrw/viewform?usp=preview

This is the sign up page for the BITS Program, the ACC Calgary Section’s introduction to backcountry skiing program. It is NOT a separate trip (just a placeholder).  BITS trips will be posted by the coordinator and participants will be assigned to a group for each trip.   For the December sessions, participants can place themselves on the wait list for their preferred session and will be moved to registered once they have paid.

BITS is a volunteer/peer-led mentoring program consisting of an online introductory online classroom session followed by a series of beginner focused ski tours designed to help you progress as a backcountry skier. It includes learning about terrain, avalanche safety, trip planning, gear and other relevant skills. And a chance to enjoy our wonderful backcountry! Upon completion of the program participants should feel capable of attending a variety of easy and moderate ski trips with the ACC Calgary section. It is open to all Calgary section members 19 and older.

Program
The program will consist of an 2-2.5 hr online session that (Dec 4 or Dec 11 at MEC/online), and three weekend one-day trips.  Participants will be assigned to trips by the coordinator – any changes must be approved and made by the coordinator. 

Ski blocks: January 18, February 8, March 15  OR January 18, February 21 and March 15

Split board block:  January 18, February 21, March 15  (spitboarders may be accommodated in other group(s) if necessary)

Prerequisites
BITS is NOT a learn to ski program, nor is it intended to replace AST1. Participants must have solid intermediate ski skills at the resort (i.e. be comfortable skiing a blue run in ALL conditions), and have completed AST1 before the first trip.   If AST1 may be an issue, please contact the organizers before signing up – exceptions may be made for the first trip. You are encouraged to book your AST1 course as soon as possible.  You can look at avalanche.ca for listings of providers/courses, or contact the BITS coordinator for info (kgsneds@mac.com). You also need to be fit – able to do a moderate 10km hike with a pack – the more you can work on your fitness, the more you will get out of the program.

You must be a current ACC Calgary section member to register.  If you are not yet an ACC member or need to add Calgary section membership, you need to apply via the ACC national website.  Once the section receives your registration confirmation from national, your calendar access will be activated.  This can take a few days, so be sure to leave time in the application process if applicable.  Note that since this program is 19+, you need to have your age indicated in your account info to apply -- you can update/add your age by updating your account info at the top of the page.

Please ensure that you have your profile activated in the ACC national website and signed the online waiver and accepted the new Code of Conduct.  We will expect all participants and leaders to abide by the Code of Conduct.  If your membership expires during the ski season, ensure you renew promptly – you cannot participate in section trips without an active membership as you must re-sign the waiver and code of conduct with every renewal.  Participants with expired memberships will NOT be allowed to go on trips.

Cost

There is $50 fee for the program; these funds enable us to provide our leaders and helpers with small subsidies to help with courses to improve their first aid/ski/leadership/avalanche safety skills.  Payment can be made via Paypal - the link is towards the bottom of the page when you are logged in, have registered via this page and had your application accepted.  The calendar now automatically notifies us of payment, so no need to send a copy of your receipt, but keep the receipt just in case of any IT glitches.

Application Process

Application: 
Note that capacity is limited by the number of leaders/tailgunners -- applicants are encouraged to submit their registration as early as possible to ensure a space.

Registration/Application/Payment Deadline: November 29, 2025

1) Sign up here to be placed on the wait list
2) Fill out the application form - should be submitted via Google Forms and register for one of the two online sessions
3) When you receive the notification that you have been approved, submit your payment to link at the bottom of the page.  You need to be logged in for the paypal button to appear  (see above note)
4) Once your application and payment are received, you will be moved onto the registered list

5) You will be placed on individual trips by the organizer. If you cannot make a specific trip, you must remove yourself from the trip and e-mail the organizer to let them know.  
6) Trip leaders will communicate with participants to confirm trip locations/times. Participants are responsible for letting the trip leader know ASAP if they cannot make a trip and must withdraw themselves from any trips they cannot make.
7) Have fun!

Application
Everyone who wishes to participate in the program must submit a FULLY COMPLETED application, which can be found here: 

Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXTBnmX0bOWMqvnHTUaD9hzD_lg6gpoamtT3wFAty_fnNDrw/viewform?usp=preview

The application will be used to group participants into similar abilities for the ski tours, provide information leaders can use in organizing their ski trips, and to provide the coordinator and relevant leader with emergency/emergency contact information.

Please read and be aware of the risks listed below (Additional Info) related to field days in the backcountry.

To be discussed at intro session 

To be discussed at intro session 

·       Avalanche

·       "Avalanches can occur in the terrain in which we operate and can be caused by natural forces, or by people travelling through the terrain (e.g. skiing/snowboarding).

What are the risks? Anyone caught in an avalanche is at risk of personal injury, death, and/or property damage or loss."

·       Terrain

·       Cornice fall

·       Crevasses

·       Cliffs

·       Trees, tree wells, forest deadfall, and tree stumps

·       Creeks

·       Rocks and Boulders

·       Holes and depressions below the snow surface

·       Variable and difficult snow conditions

·       Snowcat roads and road banks

·       Fences and other manmade structures

·       Snow immersion

·       Impact or collision with other persons vehicles or objects

·       Encounters with domestic or wild animals

·       Loss of balance or control

·       Slips trips and falls

·       Becoming lost or separated from one’s group

·  

·       Communication, rescue and medical treatment

·       Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident rescue and treatment may not be available

·       Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field

·       If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow

·       Boots and binding systems

·       Even when set up correctly, a ski binding might not release during every fall or may release unexpectedly. The ski boot/binding system is no guarantee that the skier will not be injured.  Non-DIN-certified bindings, such as pin/tech bindings, present a higher risk of pre-release and/or injury as they are not designed to the same safety standards as a DIN-certified alpine binding.

·       Unlike alpine ski boot/binding systems, snowboard and some telemark boot/binding systems are not designed or intended to release and will not release under normal circumstances.  Using such a system increases the risk of injury and/or death when caught in an avalanche.

·       Other

·      Slips, trips and falls both outdoors and indoors

·      Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact

·      Equipment failure

·      Negligent first aid